Two engineering students working on a project.

International Foundation Year in Engineering, Computing and Life Sciences

Tailored tuition designed for your success at LJMU.

Your pathway to the first year of a degree at LJMU

The programme includes academic modules, study skills and English language training, providing complete preparation for your undergraduate degree in Engineering, Computing and Life Sciences.

Is this programme for me?

On the International Foundation Year in Engineering, Computing and Life Sciences, you will:

  • gain understanding of mechanics and mathematics relevant to your undergraduate study.
  • develop your knowledge of physics and learn about atomic physics, materials, heat and gases and oscillations and waves.
  • if you choose Life Science, you will focus on biology and chemistry, developing their knowledge in key areas such as cell biology, physiological processes in animals and plants, inorganic and organic chemistry, and an overview of contemporary science.

Key facts

  • Two semesters
  • October, November (with Enhanced Induction) or January

View course-specific entry requirements and course fees.

With multiple entry points throughout the year, visit our semester dates page to see when you can join us.

Why study the International Foundation Year in Engineering, Computing and Life Sciences?

  • Upon successful completion of the programme, you will join LJMU which is ranked in the UK top 25 for Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering (The Guardian University Guide 2024).
  • In 2022, 87% of the university’s engineering and technology graduates at ljmu went on to secure a graduate level job (faculty of engineering and technology, LJMU).
  • You will have the option to progress to professionally-accredited degrees.
  • Develop your English skills, and receive support from a dedicated faculty.

What will you study?

Throughout the two-semester programme, you will study core modules that will improve your subject knowledge and English level.

Modules

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at the partner University.

The Statistics with Project Skills module aims to develop students’ statistical competence in Semester 1 and to apply research, collaborative, and investigative skills in Semester 2 through a structured sustainability-focused project. The module integrates quantitative reasoning with authentic project-based inquiry to prepare students for undergraduate.

The module is divided into two integrated phases. In Phase 1, students develop core statistical knowledge and techniques through structured disciplinary problem-solving. In Phase 2, students will engage in an investigative project, collaborating, if possible, within multidisciplinary teams to explore and resolve sustainability challenges. This phase builds directly on the subject knowledge and analytical skills developed in Semester 1.

Elective modules for Engineering and Computing degrees

The module is designed to provide a strong foundation in mathematical modelling and core mathematics skills required for courses in Engineering, Computing, Economics & Finance and other STEM subjects. Its overall aim is to develop the academic language, subject-specific knowledge, academic study skills, and cultural awareness of international students from a wide range of countries and educational systems. This will enable them to progress confidently onto their chosen undergraduate programme with the appropriate subject background skills. The module also aims to foster an interest in mathematics and its applications, while enhancing students' self-confidence, initiative-taking, and independent working skills.

This module introduces the essential principles and concepts of computer science to students with diverse backgrounds, aiming to prepare them for further undergraduate studies in this field. By engaging with this module, students will cultivate their computational thinking abilities, which will enable them to approach real-world systems and their own creations with creative, analytical, and logical perspectives. Moreover, students will acquire foundational programming skills and will create a programme, applying the principles, techniques, and methodologies learned throughout the module in a practical context.

The Physics module provides international students with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts of physics. Through a combination of seminars, experiments, and discussions, students will gain a deep understanding of physics and develop the skills they need to succeed in further study and careers in science and engineering. Topics covered include waves, materials, mechanics, fluids, electrical circuits, and atomic physics. Students will learn about the fundamental laws of physics and how these can be applied to the real-world scenarios. Students also enhance their English language skills through academic writing and discussions. This module prepares international students for further studies and careers in science and engineering.

Elective modules for Life Sciences degrees

The chemistry module is a comprehensive course that establishes a strong foundation in chemistry principles. The module covers fundamental topics in atomic structure, chemical bonding, reactions, and thermodynamics. Through analysis of theoretical models, case studies, and quantitative data, students gain a deep understanding of chemistry.

This module is a cornerstone for students' future studies in chemistry, as it provides them with the analytical and problem-solving skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in both academic and professional settings. Chemists are in high demand in a variety of fields, including medicine, materials science, and environmental science. The Chemistry Module equips students with the skills they need to contribute to these and other important fields.

This foundational module offers a comprehensive introduction to fundamental biological concepts. The module covers topics in cellular biology, biological molecules, and human body systems. It also develops analytical skills in interpreting biological data, applying theoretical concepts, and scientific communication, preparing students for more advanced biological studies and fostering a deeper appreciation of the biological world.

Study plan

English language levelSemestersCourse lengthStart dateEnd date
IELTS 4.5 (4.0 in all skills) or IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in all skills) for Pharmacy MPharm progression degree option2 semesters27 weeksOctoberMay
IELTS 4.5 (4.0 in all skills) or IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in all skills) for Pharmacy MPharm progression degree option2 semesters30 weeksNovemberAugust
IELTS 4.5 (4.0 in all skills) or IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in all skills) for Pharmacy MPharm progression degree option2 semesters27 weeksJanuaryAugust

Catch up now

Watch a recording of our recent webinar about your subject pathway.

Watch on demand

90% of research

in Sport and Exercise Sciences is classed as world-leading or internationally excellent

(Research Excellence Framework REF 2021)

12th in the UK

for Health Studies

(The Complete University Guide 2027)

10th in the UK for Building

(The Complete University Guide 2027)

17th in the UK

for General Engineering

(The Complete University Guide 2027)

10th in the UK

for Forensic Science

(The Complete University Guide 2027)

80% of LJMU's Computer Science and Informatics research output

was rated as being "world-leading" or "internationally-excellent"

(Research Excellence Framework 2021)

Progression degrees

Successful completion of this programme leads to a range of undergraduate degrees at LJMU, subject to achieving the required grades. As well as achieving the grades necessary, you will be required to take an Academic English Studies (AES) test at the end of your programme. Once you successfully complete this, you will be ready to start your degree at Liverpool John Moores University.

Along with being invited to attend an end of programme celebration event organised by the International Study Centre, students who successfully complete their pathway programme will be provided with a transcript.

In addition to the overall academic and English grades as displayed in the table below, students are also required to meet the minimum module grades for their chosen progression degree. All information will be provided to students when they begin their studies on campus.

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish GradeGrade Module
No Results

For more information on your specific choice of degree, please visit https://coursecatalogue.ljmu.ac.uk/.

Please note:

*The English language entry requirements stated are for information regarding entry to the programme. If you require a UK visa to study, depending on the type of visa you need, the English language requirements and valid English tests to satisfy the UK visa criteria may differ.

If you are applying to study in the UK under the Student visa route it may be necessary for you to submit a Secure English Language Test (SELT) as part of your visa application.

Must complete a portfolio comprising of 5 – 8 drawings to be submitted by the end of May of the academic year:

  • Architecture BA (Hons)
  • Interior Architecture BA (Hons)

Must have studied Biology and Chemistry:

  • Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
  • Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)

Must have studied Biology:

  • Biology BSc (Hons)
  • Psychology BSc
  • Wildlife Conservation BSc (Hons)

Must have studied Chemistry:

  • Chemistry BSc (Hons)

Admissions Process

Applications for MPharm Pharmacy will be assessed, and qualifications will be checked to see that they meet or are predicted to meet the University's entry requirements.

Applicants will need to pass Study Group International Foundation Year in Engineering, Computing & Life Sciences (Life Sciences pathway) with a minimum of 60% overall, 55% in all Biology and Chemistry modules and 50% in Maths for Science.

Applicants will be invited to an interview and offers will be made to successful applicants.

In order for students to meet the entry requirements for MPharm Pharmacy at LJMU, they must complete:

  • An interview – which must be passed in order to progress on to MPharm Pharmacy
  • Undertake Fitness to Practise checks – as required by law
  • Obtain a Criminal Records Check (from your home country)
  • Obtain a Letter of Good Character (written in English)

Applicants should review the communication from the International Admissions Office at LJMU who will contact applicants directly with all relevant forms and paperwork. Further information is also available on the fitness to practise web pages.

An international student smiling in Liverpool.

How to apply

See how to apply for a programme at the International Study Centre and view the documents you need to provide with your application.

Student smiling in accommodation

International Study Centre

LJMU International Study Centre offers a range of pathway programmes to progress to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at LJMU.

An LJMU student on graduation day.

Prepare for Success

Join our online preparation course at no extra cost, so that you are ready to thrive academically and culturally in your new environment.

Join us today

Our student enrolment advisors are available to answer your questions and help you with your application. We can’t wait to meet you.